In a classroom at Je-Neir Elementary, fourth-grader Isabella Moseley is tackling decimals and fractions with the same enthusiasm she brings to soccer fields and vegetable gardens. While many of her peers might find math challenging, Isabella counts it among her favorite subjects.

"I like to do reading and math," she says simply, unaware that this balanced interest in both humanities and mathematics already sets her apart. This "double threat" combination builds a foundation for whatever path she might eventually choose.

When she's not converting fractions to decimals, Isabella can often be found with her nose in a book. "I like to read chapter books," she explains, listing "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" among her favorites, along with the Magic Treehouse series—particularly the adventure involving a pirate ship on an island.

These literary journeys transport Isabella beyond Momence, though she clearly treasures her hometown. "It's fun and it's interesting. I like this place a lot," she says, brightening when the conversation turns to local traditions. "I like the GladFest and stuff."

For Isabella, GladFest represents pure childhood joy—a celebration where the community comes together each summer for parades and festivities. "They set up a carnival next to school," she explains, adding that her favorite part is "going to the carnival area with my friends."

These friendships form a central part of Isabella's life. When asked what she and her friends do together, her answer captures the beautiful simplicity of childhood: "We like to just play around and talk to each other. We just like to play and stuff." In today's digital age, she acknowledges that sometimes this play includes online games like Roblox.

At home, Isabella enjoys a relationship with her 15-year-old sister that revolves partly around soccer. Though Isabella hasn't yet played on an organized team, she practices with her sophomore sibling, who is currently trying out for the high school team. This connection provides not only skill development but also a bridge between their eleven-year age gap.

"I like to score the goals," Isabella says when asked about her soccer preferences, revealing a quietly confident streak that appears throughout her conversation.

This confidence extends to her vision for the future. While many fourth-graders might dream of becoming astronauts or veterinarians, Isabella has a more grounded aspiration.

"I think I want to be a farmer," she says. "Sell vegetables and stuff."

This practical ambition didn't materialize from nowhere. "Me and my mom go to one place that sells vegetables and stuff, and it seems like a cool place and interesting," she explains. "I like to farm."

Her appreciation for vegetables is personal as well as professional—she names broccoli as her favorite, though she also enjoys the sweet corn that the region is famous for. These experiences with her mother, including cooking together, are quietly shaping her understanding of where food comes from and how it brings people together.

In the classroom, Isabella thrives under the guidance of Ms. Albright, whom she describes as "funny" and "nice"—a teacher who "makes learning fun." This positive educational experience helps explain why, rather than feeling nervous about the significant transition to fifth grade next year, Isabella states simply: "I'm excited."

That excitement extends to new opportunities on the horizon, including the possibility of selecting a musical instrument. Currently playing the recorder in music class, Isabella seems open to expanding her artistic talents alongside her academic and athletic pursuits.

As she navigates the remainder of fourth grade—working through fractions, reading about wimpy kids and magical tree houses, practicing soccer with her sister, and dreaming of vegetable stands—Isabella Moseley embodies the quiet determination and diverse interests that make childhood such a rich time of discovery.

The seeds of her future are already taking root in the fertile soil of Momence, nurtured by family, friendship, community traditions, and her own growing curiosity about the world around her.